Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

SWTH

Order: Passeriformes | Family: Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
Swainson's Thrush 1

Bird Description

Fairly common n. breeder in dense mixed forest. Widespread migrant, it feeds on leafy forest floor moving a few hops at a time. Often jumps up onto a log or branch where the first thing to look for is its bold eyering and lores ('spectacles'). Like all Catharus thrushes, can be difficult to see well, and judging color in shady forest is tough. Call is a 'plip,' like drip of water. Song is fluty and rolling, rising off the scale. Fight call is spring-peeper-like. ID: Always look for the spectacles. Olive-backed. Breast usually distinctly buff with fairly bold spotting.

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